Black Friday Sale
Hidden Gem Ski Resorts
ATOL Protected
Find it cheaper, we’ll match the price
Check out our Price Match Guarantee
Price Match Guarantee
The Best Hidden Gem Ski Resorts
- Escape the crowds, rule the pistes!
- Smaller resorts in big ski areas = cheaper ski holidays.
- Kick back and relax in the piste and quiet.
Fancy heading somewhere a little more off-radar for your next ski holiday? As featured in Good Housekeeping, it's easy to get dazzled by large, well-known resorts, but if you're willing to dig a little deeper and look further afield, Heidi has heaps of fantastic ski resorts to discover away from the common heavy hitters. Not only will these hidden gems often cost you less, but the lack of crowds, authentic charm, and superb pistes can give even the most classic of resorts a real run for their money.
From France and Italy to Switzerland and Andorra, we've rounded up the best lesser-known ski resorts in Europe we think are worth checking out this ski season:
Leysin, Switzerland
Family-friendly, great for ski weekends & short breaks, easy train transfers
Switzerland's Leysin ski resort is ideal for beginners and intermediates seeking wide, easygoing pistes. Overlooking the spectacular Rhone Valley, the views are out of this world. What's more, the family-friendly slopes of Les Mosses are just a short ski bus ride away. Just a short train transfer from Geneva and Lausanne, Leysin is ideal for a long weekend ski trip or short break.
Search ski holidays in Leysin in the next four weeks.
Val Cenis, France
High altitudes, family-friendly, all-ability skiing
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, the French resort of Val Cenis is a quiet alternative to its party-mad neighbour, Val Thorens. Made up of five classical French villages, the sun-drenched green and blue runs are ideal for newbies and those mastering their carving turns. While intermediates will love the high-altitude red runs. Bringing the family? There’s plenty to do off the pistes, too; husky sledging and tobogganing are among the highlights.
Search ski holidays in Val Cenis in the next four weeks.
Valmeinier, France
High altitude, great value, family-friendly, all ability skiing
With plenty of ski-in and ski-out accommodation, a wide variety of runs, and a chilled apres ski vibe, Valmeinier in France is a haven for families. Let the groms loose on mellow green and blue runs while you take on some challenging reds. Just don’t get too distracted by the jaw-dropping mountain vistas. Magnifique! The sky-high altitude means the snow is pretty peachy all season, and if you’re on a budget, its stealthy guise makes it a steal compared to larger ski resorts.
Search ski holidays in Valmeinier in the next four weeks.
Fugen, Austria
Great value, family-friendly, great for ski weekends & short breaks, all-ability skiing
Take it easy with a relaxing skiing holiday in Fugen. Hidden amongst the giant peaks of Austria’s Zillertal Valley, this charming resort not only boast fun runs for all abilities but its apres-ski activities are as zen as they come; soak in the spa, chill in the hotel bar and savour delicious Austrian food. Utter bliss! With access to the wider Hochzillertal area, Fugen offers excellent bang for your buck. And Innsbruck airport is less than an hour’s drive away, so this is a super spot for short breaks or weekend ski trips.
Search ski holidays in Fugen in the next four weeks.
Bad Kleinkircheim, Austria
Great for ski weekends & short breaks, spa lovers
Don’t let the name fool you; Bad Kleinkircheim is anything but bad. Pack your bags for a luxurious skiing holiday in the Austrian Nockburge Mountains. You can even make it a short break with a transfer time of just 45 minutes from Klagenfurt Airport. Swish down gentle blues and cruisey reds before dining in classy restaurants and browsing boutique shops. Oh so chic! And the best highlight? It has to be the natural mountain spas; soothe tired legs in the thermal waters and unwind amongst pristine snow.
Search ski holidays in Bad Kleinkircheim in the next four weeks.
La Massana, Andorra
Beginner-friendly, great value
Andorra’s Vallnord ski region is well-known for its budget skiing holidays, and while most head for the party town of Arinsal, La Massana, just down the road, offers a more laid-back vibe. The gentle blues and reds meandering down towards the town are brilliant for newbies and families. Plus, if you want to explore further afield, you can catch a ride on the Gondola from Pal to Arinsal. As night falls, cosy Spanish bars and restaurants welcome you for relaxed tapas and delicious vino tinto. Salud!
Search ski holidays in La Massana in the next four weeks.
Pila, Italy
Great value, high altitude, family-friendly, great for ski weekends & short breaks
Nestled in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn, Pila is easily overlooked. But look closely, and you’ll discover a stunning Italian ski resort that welcomes families with open arms. The locals know this spot well and head there at the weekend. But if you can take a mid-week break, heaps of quiet, tree-lined red runs await. Let’s go! Plus, with epic snowfall from December to April and snow cannons aplenty, this high-altitude resort is well-groomed throughout the season.
Search ski holidays in Pila in the next four weeks.
Le Grand Bornand, France
Family-friendly, beginner-friendly, great for ski weekends & short breaks
Whisk the kids off to the less well-known resort of Le Grand-Bornand, for a super fun ski holiday in the French Alps. Oozing Savoyard charm, the gentle nursery slopes and cruisy blues will put a big smile on everyone’s face. And if you’re short of time, Geneva airport is not far away, which makes transfers quick and easy - ideal when you have young kids in tow. And the piste de la resistance? The cheese! A gooey fondu pot of the locally produced Reblochon will have you drooling.
Search ski holidays in Le Grand Bornand in the next four weeks.
St Johann in Tirol, Austria
Family-friendly, beginner-friendly, great for ski weekends & short breaks
Fancy a ski resort with a big helping of classic Austrian charm but don’t want to live it large in the lively resort of Kitzbüel? St Johann is one of our fave alternatives. It’s a sweet spot for a weekend ski break, too - it’s just an hour from Salzburg airport. On the mountain, mellow blues and reds will have you cruising in style. Or why not head to the fun park for some freestyle action. Air time! If you’ve worked up an appetite, feast on delicious Tirolean dishes in friendly mountain huts and soak up the chilled and friendly atmosphere.
Search ski holidays in St Johann in Tirol in the next four weeks.
Serre Chevalier, France
High-altitude, big ski area, family-friendly, all-ability skiing
For those in the know, Serre Chevalier is a hidden gem in the French Alps that delivers mountain loads of uncrowded beginner and intermediate runs. With a lofty altitude, the snow conditions are mint throughout the season, and the resort is blessed with epic bluebird days. Get those sunnies on! There are loads of fun family activities on and off the pistes, too. Dare to drop in on the giant zipline or whiz along the 4k toboggan run. Scream if you wanna go faster!
Search ski holidays in Serre Chevalier in the next four weeks.
Why book a hidden gem ski resort with Heidi?
See our ski holiday reviews
All flight-inclusive holidays sold on Heidi are fully financially protected under the ATOL scheme (ATOL 11456)